Junior AI Developer - Machine Learning Fundamentals

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 89,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid apprenticeship program

Mentorship from AI professionals

Hands-on AI project experience

Potential for full-time employment

Job summary

Placements24 is offering a Junior AI Developer apprenticeship in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and real-world project experience alongside AI professionals.

You will gain practical skills in developing, testing, and deploying AI models, with exposure to cutting-edge tools and a pathway to full-time employment upon completion.

Qualifications

• Completion of matriculation with strong math/science results.
• Ter­tiary qualification in CS/IT/Engineering is advantageous but not required if aptitude is shown.
• Demonstrated interest in AI/ML and basic programming knowledge (Python).
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior developers and data scientists in building ML models.
• Learn AI/ML fundamentals such as supervision methods and feature engineering.
• Contribute to data preprocessing, cleaning, and code testing.
• Support deployment and monitoring of simple ML models.
• Participate in meetings, code reviews and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Python programming

ML concepts

Mathematics & logic

Teamwork

Communication

Eager to learn

Education

Degree or Diploma in CS/IT/Engineering or related quantitative field

Tools

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client is offering an exciting Apprenticeship opportunity for a Junior AI Developer to join their innovative technology hub in Johannesburg, Gauteng . This program is designed for aspiring individuals eager to build a career in Artificial Intelligence, with a strong focus on Machine Learning fundamentals. As an apprentice, you will receive hands-on training, mentorship, and the chance to work on real-world projects alongside experienced AI professionals. You will gain practical experience in developing, testing, and deploying AI models, contributing to various projects within the company. This is a fantastic pathway for enthusiastic individuals looking to launch their career in the high-demand field of AI. We are looking for motivated candidates with a passion for technology and a strong desire to learn and grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior developers and data scientists in building and training machine learning models.
• Learn and apply fundamental AI and ML concepts such as supervised and unsupervised learning, regression, and classification.
• Help with data preprocessing, cleaning, and feature engineering tasks.
• Write and test basic code for AI algorithms under supervision.
• Assist in the deployment and monitoring of simple ML models.
• Participate in team meetings, code reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Support the development of documentation for AI projects.
• Contribute to the continuous learning and improvement of the AI team's processes.
• Gain exposure to various AI tools and technologies used by the company.
• Understand and adhere to coding standards and best practices.

Requirements

• Completed matriculation with strong results in Mathematics and/or Physical Science.
• A tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related quantitative field is highly advantageous, but not strictly required if strong aptitude is demonstrated.
• Demonstrated interest and passion for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
• Basic programming knowledge, preferably in Python.
• Understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts (algebra, basic calculus).
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A proactive and motivated attitude towards learning and contributing.

Benefits

• Paid apprenticeship program providing valuable work experience.
• Structured training and mentorship from experienced AI professionals.
• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI technologies.
• Potential for full-time employment upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
• Competitive stipend and potential for performance-based increases.
• Exposure to a professional work environment in Johannesburg, Gauteng .
• Networking opportunities within the tech industry.
• Development of in-demand skills for a future career in AI.